Koma Kulshan chapter Washington Native Plant Society field trips are generally free and open to the public. Exceptions are noted in the trip descriptions.
While attending WNPS events, please observe these policies, in effect since March 2022. Please do not attend an event if either of the following are true:
– You currently have any COVID symptoms or have had symptoms in the past 14 days
– You have any reason to quarantine according to the CDC
WNPS event hosts will not facilitate carpooling. While participating in the event, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other participants, or wear a mask if approaching more closely. If you test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event, please contact the WNPS office at 206-527 3210 or the WNPS Business Manager at wnps [at] wnps [dot] org.
SPring 2025 Field Trips
April 26th, Saturday 8:00AM to 4:00PM
Deception Pass Field Trip Kiket and Pass Islands
We will meet at the I5 Park and Ride West parking lot in Fairhaven at 8:00 am and first drive to the Kukutali Preserve Trailhead (Kiket Island) to hike a 2 mile loop for about 1 and ½ hour. After that we will drive a short distance to Pass Island and hike another 0.5 mile loop plus a lunch break. That will leave ample time to continue our field trip with a hike around Goose Rock and decide whether we climb up or around the rock. In any case it will be a 2.5 mile loop and we should be back by our cars no later than 3 pm. For all of these hikes we need a Discover Pass. Hopefully the spring flowers will be out at the end of April. Contact Fritz Ulrich (fritz365@gmail.com) with any questions and to confirm. Optionally, people can decide to cut the field trip short and return home after we finish with the Pass Island loop. Group limit 12 people. WNPS members have priority.
May 10th, Saturday 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Anacortes Community Forest: Sugarloaf Mountain and Heart Lake
Hike on Sugar Loaf Mountain. Meet at the South Bellingham Park and Ride West parking lot in Fairhaven for a 9:00 am departure. From there we will drive to the Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead at Heart Lake Rd in the Anacortes Community Forest, a 40 mile drive. Our 5 miles RT will lead us to the Sugarloaf Mountain Outlook and around Heart Lake with an accumulated elevation difference of about 1,000 feet. Most of the elevation gain will be in the beginning of the hike and will get us warmed up for the rest of the hike. We should be able to find lots of spring flowers on the rocky balds and in the forest. You can view and print out the plant list here: https://www.wnps.org/plant-lists/list?Sugarloaf_Mountain. Contact Fritz Ulrich (fritz365@gmail.com) with any questions and to confirm.
June 14th, Saturday 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Hannegan Pass Trail
This trail becomes a busy route to the back country after the snow melts out, but should be ideal for leisurely botanizing in mid June. We will likely go less than 2 miles on the gentle valley bottom part of the trail before we are turned back by snow. A plant list is available on the WNPS website. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Bring a lunch and water, dress for the weather, and wear shoes suitable for crossing snow patches. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5@gmail.com to sign up. Group size limit 12 in Mt Baker
June 21th, Saturday 10:30AM to 4:00PM
Hoypus Point at Deception Pass State Park
Hoypus Point in Deception Pass State Park features a forest that is quite different from those covering the mountains of Chuckanut sandstone nearer to Bellingham: the forest of Hoypus Point is much moister, supporting an abundance of moisture-loving plants like hemlock and sitka spruce trees, sedges, and also a lot of nettles. Much of it was logged in the distant past but a portion is distinctly old growth, with giant trees and snags, and an open, complex structure that is beautiful to behold. There are no peaks or vistas, and few flowers or unusual plants: it’s just a gorgeous forest. Many trails are available but we will take a 4-5 mile loop on comfortable, mostly flat trails around the best part, and a short side trail to visit a stretch of pebble beach. Group size is limited to 15. Priority given to native plant society members. Note that a Discover Pass is required to park. Contact trip leader Eric Worden eric@ericworden.seattle.wa.us to register and receive specific instructions.
July 12th, Saturday 9:00AM
Marine Algae and Ecology of Birch Bay’s South Shore
Can the journey be as rewarding as the destination? A 1.5 mile beach walk takes us to a life rich point of land at the Bay’s mouth. Rubber boots, field guide, snacks, water, hand-lens, hand towel; all recommended; and ANTICIPATE MUCH COOLER, BREEZY, conditions than in your garden. All knowledge levels and backgrounds are welcome. An algae list will be provided, and bring whatever field guide you may own and like. If buying or updating, I suggest Druehl, Louis D. and Bridgette E. Clarkston, 2016, Pacific Seaweeds; ISBN 978-1-55017-737-4; and/or Sept, Duane J., 2019, The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest, ISBN978155078579. Meet at S.W. corner of Birch Bay State Park (boat ramp) and last toilet facility at 9:00 AM; Discover Pass required for parking there. Bob Lemon and Isaac Hoffmeister, will lead up to 10 interested participants. For required pre-registration, or questions, contact Bob at lemprev@alphahunt.com , preferred; or text only 360)378-2657. More information will be supplied via email to registrants.
Previous field trips are listed on their own page in case you’re curious about where the Koma Kulshan chapter has explored in previous seasons.